A recent survey reveals a significant majority of German citizens oppose the immediate shooting down of Russian fighter jets that violate NATO airspace. Conducted by the market and opinion research institute Forsa for “Stern” and RTL Deutschland, the poll, based on telephone interviews with 1,001 individuals on September 25th and 26th, indicates that 67 percent of respondents are against such an action. Conversely, 24 percent support a forceful defensive response, while 9 percent offered no opinion.
The survey results highlight notable differences in opinion across demographic groups. Men (30 percent) and voters affiliated with the CDU/CSU parties (35 percent) are comparatively more inclined to favor immediate shoot-downs. Strong opposition to the measure is most prevalent among women (71 percent), supporters of the SPD and AfD parties (both at 70 percent) and particularly among voters of the Left party (70 percent).
The findings are released during a period of heightened discussion concerning appropriate responses to recent incursions into NATO airspace by Russian military aircraft. The debate has been fueled by suggestions of immediate shoot-downs, most recently articulated by former U.S. President Donald Trump, alongside cautions against hasty reactions, voiced by German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius. The survey provides a snapshot of public sentiment surrounding this sensitive security issue.
